Is Bolton, VT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
65.2/100
waterverge.com Bolton, VT — Water Quality Report
Bolton's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,360 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 237 violations on record, including 70 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bolton's water
Bolton ranks #77 out of 105 cities in Vermont for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bolton relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Bolton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bolton, VT water safe to drink?
Bolton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,360 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bolton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bolton's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4720). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3595). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bolton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Bolton's water system has 237 total violations on record, including 70 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chittenden County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1992. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Winooski River.
Where does Bolton's water come from?
Bolton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,360 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Winooski River (river).
What Bolton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bolton's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Bolton's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bolton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bolton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD ETHAN ALLEN FIRING RANGE JERICHO, VT05465 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Chittenden County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1992. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bolton's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.450 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Bolton compares by contaminant
Explore where Bolton ranks among all Vermont cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bolton's water comes from
Bolton's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,360 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Bolton
Bolton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bolton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOLTON COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM | VT0005051 | 1,030 | GW |
| FERNWOOD MANOR MHP | VT0005052 | 250 | GW |
| COUNTRY CLUB CONDOMINIUM | VT0005640 | 80 | GW |
How Bolton compares
Full Vermont rankings →Bolton's score of 65.2/100 is below the average of 77/100 among major Vermont cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Vermont rankings →About Bolton, VT
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bolton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chittenden
Frequently asked questions
Is Bolton, VT tap water safe to drink?
Bolton's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #77 out of 105 cities tested in Vermont.
What contaminants are in Bolton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 237 violations are on record.
How is Bolton's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Bolton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bolton's water come from?
Bolton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,360 residents.
What health violations has Bolton's water system had?
Bolton has 70 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bolton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bolton uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 237 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Bolton's water compare to other cities?
Bolton ranks #77 out of 105 cities in Vermont (better than 27% of state cities) and #11555 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.